Students are set aspirational targets which, because of high teacher expectations, they strive to achieve. Teachers use a variety of active teaching methods to interest and stimulate students so that they want to learn.
Students’ behaviour around the school and in lessons is good. There is an atmosphere of mutual respect which is characterised by the friendly, welcoming manner with which students greet each other and visitors. Students feel safe and well cared for by the school. Behaviour in the sixth form is exemplary.OFSTED 2015

Celebration Evenings

During the last few weeks of term, it’s our final opportunity to look back at the achievements of 2016, by both our GCSE and post-16 students.

Celebration Evening on Wednesday 23rd November saw Mrs Bennett’s Year 11 return to take centre stage and receive certificates and commendations. This was a “new look” Celebration Evening modelled on graduation ceremonies and, in addition to GCSE certificates, there was recognition of high attendance and also prizes from a wide range of subjects. This year, we also introduced a number of special categories and the recipients were:

Consistent Effort Award – Lucy Goodrum

Progress Leader Achievement Award – Oscar Cantwell, Molly Houlden

Progress Leader Attainment Award – Emily Dearlove

Headteacher’s Resilience Award – Ailsa Chalmers

Student Endeavour Award – George Dootson

It was a lovely reunion and all students deserve our congratulations.

We shall be gathering once again on Wednesday 14th December to celebrate the A Level success of 2016, but our present post-16 students are also making their mark. Mr Edgar reports that our sixth form Mathematicians were awarded 5th place at the Senior Team Maths Challenge last week against 20 teams from Suffolk and Essex. Excellent work!

Sports News

The Year 9 and 10 netball teams were also in action against IES Breckland in a league fixture. The Year 9 girls produced another fantastic performance, winning 12-1. They remain unbeaten to date and have one final match to play next week against Stour Valley.

The Year 10 team also produced their first win of the season, beating IES 18-6. The victory was all the more impressive because Amy Alcock, having completed her Year 9 match, had to step up and play with the older girls in order to present a full team. Miss Buckley is rightly proud of both teams’ performance – well done!

End of Term Arrangements

As we prepare for Christmas, please be advised that term will end on Friday 16th December at 2.00pm. Suffolk County Council transport will be collecting students at this earlier time, but should these arrangements pose a problem for any student or parent/carer, please contact the relevant mini-school. The school will be staffed until 3.40pm and we are able to cater for any student who needs to stay. The last day of term will also be “Christmas Jumper Day” for staff and students alike with proceeds going to Save the Children and St Elizabeth’s Hospice.